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The FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) 2014 kicks off today with the tournament offering millions of competitors the chance to battle it out for one of 20 places in the Grand Final, which will be hosted in Rio De Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

For the first time ever the FIWC Grand Final will take place in the host nation of the FIFA World Cup, offering a little extra incentive to those looking to be crowned world champion, or to use the lingo of the kids, 'King Baller'.

Last year's edition of the tournament attracted more than 2.5 million competitors from around the world, reaching its climax in Madrid where Bruce 'the machine' Grannec emerged as world champion, as well as collecting a $20,000 prize and the chance to meet world football's elite as a special guest at the FIFA Ballon d'Or gala in January - Pretty damn cool.

A ceremonial first game was played yesterday at the Maracana with Brazilian FIWC champions Andre Buffo, a past grand finalist, taking on the ultra-happy 2014 FIFA World Cup mascot, Fuleco.

Fuleco's role as the World Cup mascot means he's quickly gotten over his failed audition for a role in The Simpsons

Additionally, former Brazilian striker Ronaldo, the record goalscorer at World Cup finals two-time winner and overall legend, sent a good luck message to all competitors:

"To be crowned a FIFA World Champion is an incredibly special moment” said Ronaldo, who scored both goals in the Final of the 2002 World Cup.

"Usually this honour is limited to the very best professional football players. I think it’s fantastic that the FIFA Interactive World Cup makes that dream a possibility for football fans all over the world and I’m looking forward to experiencing the event next year in Rio."

Qualification for this year’s event will take place over six separate month-long seasons. In keeping with the tradition of previous editions, the top two online players from each season will qualify for the Grand Final.

Moreover, for the first time in FIWC history, a third ‘best-placed’ qualification spot will be handed out every season to the player deemed the winner of the Community Qualifier.

FIWC Players are awarded a win/lose ratio based on a minimum of 30 games played over an online season: The player with the best win/lose ratio at the end of each season wins the Community Qualifier seat.

In addition to the 20 Grand Final participants, FIFA and PlayStation will also be offering other competitors the opportunity to travel to Brazil, experience the FIWC Grand Final and watch one of the FIFA World Cup matches live in the stadium.

To be in with a chance you'll need to be pretty tasty mind. Here's a look at some of what went down during the 2013 Grand Final:

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For more information on the FIWC and to become part of the FIWC community please visit www.fifa.com/fiwc and Facebook or follow the event on Twitter @FIWC.